Ram Gopal Varma has again emphasised the merits of the film Dhurandhar, suggesting that filmmakers can glean valuable insights from its execution. His latest commentary was shared through a post on X on the morning of August 31, coinciding with the lacklustre performance of Geetu Mohandas’ Kannada thriller Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grownups, which premiered on August 26. Varma had previously made remarks regarding Dhurandhar when Toxic opened, noting that he was “rewatching” the film, sparking speculation about the timing of his comments.

In a follow-up post, Varma reiterated his appreciation for Dhurandhar, stating, “Rewatching #dhurandhar again and again.” The two films were initially scheduled to be released on the same day, March 19, 2026, before Toxic was postponed.

Varma asserted that the primary lesson from Dhurandhar lies in its portrayal of characters. He noted that the film features individuals who are relatable to audiences, describing them as “living, breathing characters who seem as real as you and me sitting and watching in the theatre.”

Dhurandhar’s Approach to Protagonists and Supporting Characters

Continuing his analysis, Varma compared the treatment of Dhurandhar’s hero to that commonly seen in commercial films led by stars. He noted that the film does not elevate its protagonist to a poster-like status. Instead, the hero displays human qualities such as vulnerability and the capacity to make mistakes. Varma elaborated that the film’s camera does not seek to glorify the hero, but rather offers an immersive experience for viewers.

Varma distinguished Dhurandhar by asserting that it portrays characters in a manner where they do not serve merely to enhance the star’s image. He mentioned specific characters, including Akshaye Khanna’s Rehman Dakait, who possess distinct traits and complexities that contribute to the narrative.

In a pointed critique of “the other films,” likely referring to Toxic, Varma highlighted the treatment of female characters, suggesting they lack depth and function primarily to support the male lead. He claimed, “The women are not people. They are functions arranged around the same gravitational centre,” indicating a lack of individuality in their portrayals.

Violence and Spectacle in Films

Varma also brought attention to the depiction of violence in Dhurandhar, juxtaposing it with what he termed spectacle-driven filmmaking. He suggested that the violence portrayed in Dhurandhar carries consequences for the characters, causing direct emotional responses and development. In contrast, he characterised violence in other films as merely sensational, lacking context and emotional weight.

As Toxic faces challenges at the box office, Varma’s comments about Dhurandhar come to the fore. The film featuring Yash has reportedly not managed to surpass Rs 300 crore in global earnings during its opening weekend, disappointing initial expectations. In comparison, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge had crossed the Rs 300 crore mark in a shorter timeframe and has emerged as the highest-grossing Indian franchise.

Toxic has been co-produced by Monster Mind Creations and KVN Productions, with Yash also contributing to its writing. The film was made in both Kannada and English and subsequently dubbed in several Indian languages. Despite not directly referencing Toxic, Varma’s remarks on character treatment and narrative structure have stoked discussions regarding the two films’ comparative merits.

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